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Trib’s Johnson: Bulls’ Loss To Hawks Was ‘Worst Game Of The Playoffs’

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 02: Jeff Teague #0 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots against Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 2, 2011 in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Teague;Derrick Rose;

Jeff Teague #0 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots against Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 2, 2011 in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center. (Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

“I know there was a lot of consternation over the Pacers series,” Johnson said on the Mully & Hanley Show, “but I thought last night was the worst game of the playoffs, because I thought they got beat at their own game. Atlanta had more energy. Atlanta got the loose balls. Atlanta defended. Atlanta rebounded, and that’s a little alarming.”

Was this to blame for why Rose seemed to settle for outside shooting? Johnson doesn’t think so.

“The ankle, actually, believe it or not, is not an issue at all,” Rose said. “It may be a minor issue now, but they had two days off after that Pacers series, and he went through full treatment for two days. He actually practiced hard all three days on that ankle.”